BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF HUNGER

[Date of Submission]

Outline

Introduction

During the old times, people were of the belief that the feeling of hunger was caused by the stomach. However, researches and experimentation has proved that brain plays a primary role in creating the hunger impulse.

Thesis Statement

Hunger is associated primarily with the brain, in spite of the popular belief of it being associated with the stomach only. It is not only triggered by the 'need' for food but by a variety of other factors as well. There are however, some hunger disorders that are observed in people.

Discussion

Tsung's experiment with rats proved that even if the stomach was removed from the rat, it still continued to feel hungry.

Origin of Hunger

Short Term Hunger Regulation

Hunger occurs because of the stimulation of the LH and the VHM.

Long Term Hunger Regulation

Set-Point Theory

There is particular weight point which is set by the body, any difference in the current body weight and the weight point, serves as a trigger for the body to either increase or stop eating behavior in order to regulate the spike.

Other factors

There are factors which signal the hypothalamus to signal hunger.

Glucostatic Hypothesis

The body monitors the glucose level which is present in the bloodstream. If there is a spike (increase or decrease), the body emits a signal to the hypothalamus to indicate hunger or refrain from eating. However, it is unable explain some eating habits.

Lipostatic Hypothesis

Similar to glucose hypothesis, only in this case the body monitors fat and lipid level.s

Hunger Motivation by Psychological Factors

Some are motivated by external cue for instance, smell or sight of food

Culture and background

The background and the culture to which a person belongs to play a huge part in the preference of food and the eating habits

Brain and Hunger

Introduction

Hunger is present with a mortal from the time of his birth. The first cry he makes of his own violation is when he is 'hungry' and is desirous of milk. This can serve as an idea of the amount of influence hunger has on a human individual.

During the past, the scientists were of the belief that the human stomach was responsible for emitting signals which made the person realize that he/she is hungry. However, modern studies have proved the truth to be somewhat different. Even though the stomach does indeed have role in hungry feeling of a person, however, it is not the only guilty party. The brain is the main perpetrator of this feeling (Kessler & Morse, 2010).

The stomach is basically a muscle in its own sense. It contracts, whenever it is empty. These contractions are felt or referred to as 'hunger pangs'. Research has shown that the stomach if is 60% empty, will start contacting, thereby producing hunger pangs. These signals are responsible for sending signals to the brain to remind it that the body needs food.

Yet it is still a fact that even if the stomach is removed from the body, the feeling of hunger persists.

Thesis Statement

Hunger is associated primarily with the brain, in spite of ...